Hornet Buzz
August 23, 2020
Message from the Principal
Dear Hornet Nation,
As we enter the final week before the start of the new school year, there is much to review. First, all students need to change their SMCPS student password from last year. You must do this before moving forward. Next, students will log in to Clever (remember Clever is the place that holds all your websites or apps) using their Microsoft Credentials. Guidance document here.
Also attached is the schedule for the student's first week, August 31-September 4. We will follow this schedule for this first week only to allow students, parents, and staff to get up and running with the new learning management system known as schoology.
Starting on September 8, we will follow the GMHS Virtual Schedule. A copy of this schedule is also attached for your review.
Laptop distribution will take place this Tuesday, August 25 for any student who requested a laptop on the survey (directions attached).
Textbook/materials distribution will take place on Friday, September 4 (directions published next week).
Please also keep in mind that the Home Access Center: HAC will open Wednesday, August 26th at 4:00 pm. https://www.smcps.org/hac.
Other information on schoology, senior pictures, and the student meal benefit plans are also included in this edition.
This is a lot to take in all at once but please take time to read carefully each item. I will share more information as we near next Monday. We are looking forward to a great and exciting school year. Remember....We Are...Great Mills!!!
Sincerely,
Dr. Heibel
Student Password Change
Laptop Distribution
Laptop Distribution: August 25, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Please read carefully the attached directions below if you requested a laptop.
*All students who requested a laptop on the survey should expect to receive a laptop on Tuesday, August 25 during their assigned time here at Great Mills High School. Please plan accordingly.
Schoology
- Student Schoology Resources:
1. Student and Parent Google Site: This site provides basic information about the platform and how to log in. This site will be updated regularly to reflect any changes.
Device and Access Information
While Schoology may be accessed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer - to best support this instructional platform, students should have access to a computer that they can use independently to participate in each day’s
instruction. Personally owned devices can be used to access online course material. Most current technologies will work with Schoology, with the following minimum device requirements:
- Operating Systems: Windows 10; iOS 11; Android version 6 or higher
- Browsers: Chrome (latest version); Safari versions 10 and 11; Firefox (latest version); Edge for Windows 10.
- Yes - Schoology will work on Chromebooks.
For full interactive instruction, students will require that the device have a microphone and camera. If they do NOT have a camera or mic, then they will be able to view the Google Meet Sessions- but will be unable to interact.
If a student does not have a device or access, please contact the school, who will provide assistance.
SMCPS Laptop Set Up
Textbook/Materials Distribution Friday, September 4
The Counseling Corner
Greetings. As the 20-21 School Year is quickly approaching, the school counselors are working diligently to create student schedules. Our primary focus at this time is to resolve course conflicts and fix any holes in schedules. The counselors will be reaching out to students via email about concerns with their schedule. Please ask your student to check their smcps school email daily to ensure a quicker resolution to scheduling issues.
Schedules will be available on HAC the week before school starts. School is scheduled to start virtually on Monday, August 31st.
Please note that we are moving back to alpha order, grades 9-12 for counselors and administrators. A student's guidance counselor is based on the letter of the student's last name, grades 9-12:
A-C Ms. Judi Stokes
D-Hi Ms. Crystal Ridgell
Hj-M Mr. John Davis
N-R Ms. Molly Beck
S-Z Ms. Audra Bishop
Senior Class Pictures
- Any senior who was not able to schedule an appointment time for their pictures will have an opportunity during the make-up dates on October 5, 6, or 13th. Sign-up for these dates will be later in September.
- If you have any questions or concerns about scheduling please Contact Lifetouch at 410-644-7700 or email your question to "Answers@Lifetouch.com
Meal Benefit Services
Key Information about meal services this fall:
- Meals will be offered at all SMCPS locations (except FLA II) for pick-up during the hours of 11:00AM- 1:00PM. Two day’s worth of meals (breakfast and lunch) can be picked up on Monday and Wednesday and one day of meals on Friday.
- Meals are only for enrolled SMCPS students. No cash is accepted on site. Reduced and Paid students should have funds available utilizing MySchoolBucks https://www.myschoolbucks.com
- Meals will be charged at the free, reduced, and paid rates under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. A new application is required each year. Please apply at https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
- Parents/Guardians must present their children’s student ID# for same day pick-up if the student is not with them and may pick-up for all children in the family at one location, even if that is not the home-school of all the children.
Parent Letter
https://www.smcps.org/forms/supporting-services/fiscal-services/407-parent-letter-pricing-19-20/file
Meal Charge Policy
Online Meal Benefits Application
MTSS Summary Review
Vaping
Hornet Strong Brick Project
Consider giving a Hornet Strong Personalized Brick for a recent graduate or alumni.
Go to the Great Mill website click on Quick Links the Hornet Strong Brick project or click on the link below."
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHAD2XN2Q00TOS_ZZJYPZR8T40ROI3
Great Mills High School
Email: mjheibel@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/gmhs/
Location: 21130 Great Mills Road, Great Mills, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 863-4001
Twitter: @GMHS_SMCPS